Anatoly Torkunov: The Sochi Summit will determine the long-term nature of ASEAN – Russia relations
06 April 2016
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Anatoly Torkunov: The Sochi Summit will determine the long-term nature of ASEAN – Russia relations

The ASEAN — Russia Commemorative Summit 2016, which will be held on 19-20 May in Sochi, will determine the long-term nature of relations between Russia and the ten ASEAN Member States, Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO University Rector and Head of the Russian delegation said before the meeting of the ASEAN — Russia Eminent Persons Group. He also described current relations between Russia and the ASEAN Member States as very friendly and promising.

According to Mr Torkunov, the Russian delegation put forward an initiative to hold the ASEAN — Russia University Summit in September 2016 in Vladivostok. The Summit will involve a few dozen representatives from the leading universities of Russia and the ASEAN Member States. He also added that such a summit would provide a platform for sharing views on the prospects for ASEAN — Russia cooperation in education and research.

On 6-7 April, Moscow is hosting the 3rd Meeting of ASEAN — Russia Eminent Persons Group. The Group's goal is to develop a concept of ASEAN — Russia Dialogue Partnership and to prepare a report with recommendations on the prospects for ASEAN — Russia further cooperation. The document will be presented at the ASEAN — Russia Commemorative Summit 2016, which will be held in May in Sochi. Russian and ASEAN experts seek new common grounds in politics, security, economics and culture.